Minn. wind farm approved for Madison-based utility

The Wisconsin Supreme Court said state regulators approved a Madison-based utility's plans for a Minnesota wind farm under the proper statutes.

The Citizens Utility Board and the Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group contended the state Public Service Commission incorrectly approved Wisconsin Power & Light's plan to build a massive wind farm north of Albert Lea under the wrong statutes.

The groups argued the PSC improperly approved the farm under a certificate of authority rather than a certificate of public convenience, which would have required a more stringent review.

Justice Patience Roggensack wrote in the majority opinion Wednesday that the PSC's finding that a public convenience certificate applies only to projects within Wisconsin was reasonable.